hockey

SCOTLAND 1

SOUTH AFRICA 2

Scotland's women succumbed to defeat by South Africa, six places above them in the world rankings, for the first time in six meetings in yesterday's second test at Glasgow's Titwood, writes Craig Madden.

As in the first Test , the visitors were dominant but a combination of poor shooting and some brilliant saves by Milne Craig Western goalkeeper Amy Gibson kept the scoreline close throughout. South Africa finally took the lead from their sixth penalty corner, with a rebound strike by Sulette Damons but Scotland equalised three minutes into the second half against the run of play. Ali Howie weaved her way along the base-line and her cross found Sam Judge whose reverse stick shot was only half stopped by the goalkeeper. A minute later, the Scots might have taken the lead as a similar approach from Linda Clement caused panic in the visitors' defence but the danger was finally cleared.

South Africa regained the lead in the 56th minute. The Scotland defence was beaten for pace and Jennifer Wilson gave Gibson no chance with a fierce low shot. The Scots retaliated with a couple penalty corners but Ailsa Wyllie's shot went over the bar while Becky Merchant's effort was easily blocked by the goalkeeper.

Before kick-off, a presentation was made to the defender Catriona Ralph to mark her 100th Scotland cap.

n Grange achieved their aim by securing promotion from the European Club Champions Challenge in Zagreb with a 2-1 win over the Czech side SV Slavia in yesterday's play-off match.

The game was effectively won in the first half when Fraser Sands scored twice from penalty corners, his trademark drag-flicks flying low past the Czech goalkeeper. Grange could have extended their lead – chances fell to Matt Connor, Phil Sully and Cammie Fraser – but failed to do so.

With their squad limited by injuries and illness, Grange tired in the second half and Slavia pulled one back with six minutes left, but Grange goalkeeper David Woodcock was equal to their other attempts at goal. In a desperate effort to secure an equaliser, the Czechs took off their goalkeeper and played with 11 outfield players. They won a last-minute penalty corner but their strike was bravely blocked by Gary Cameron, who was later taken to hospital with a smashed hand and elbow.

n In the women's tournament in Switzerland, VWS Dundee Wanderers finally paid the price for a weakened squad when they were relegated after losing 4-1 to host side Rotweiss Wettingen in a penalty shoot-out. The sides were level at 3-3 after extra time and Jenny Gerrard, Jude McMullan and Sam Sangster were on target for the Taysiders.

n Great Britain men dropped down the table in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia yesterday when they lost 3-2 to Argentina, a side five places below them in the world rankings. Ashley Jackson, of East Grinstea, scored twice for GB.

athletics

Lynsey Sharp insists that it is full steam ahead for next month's Olympic trials after producing the second quickest 800 metres of her career in Rabat, writes Mark Woods. The 21-year-old ran 2:01.12 to secure UK Athletics B qualification standard for London 2012, although it was still only good enough for fourth place at the Mohammed VI meeting as Btissam Lakhouad of Morocco claimed victory. Sharp, who just missed out on a place at the world championships last year, believes she is close to finding her best form at just the right time. "I have never ever felt so good in a race," she said.

cricket

Pete Steindl has acknowledged that his choices are limited as he looks to add bite to his Saltires bowling attack, writes William Dick. The Scots suffered a mauling in their latest CB40 defeat against Durham on Sunday, taking just two wickets as the county raced to a substantial 259 total with more than six overs to spare.

Steindl is eager to find the winning formula ahead of next week's daunting double header against Hampshire and holders Surrey but the first choice new-ball bowlers Gordon Goudie and Safy Sharif will remain on the sidelines. "Safy has suffered a setback and won't be bowling for at least another two weeks ," said Steindl. "Gordon is bowling at 60% in the nets but won't be ready for next week. Sunday was a poor performance but the guys we have are capable of much better. We will work very hard this week to put things right."

SPeedway

Glasgow Tigers and Edinburgh Monarchs have confirmed the dates for their Premier League Knockout Cup quarter-final ties, writes Nigel Duncan. The first leg is at Armadale on Friday June 29th (730pm) with the return at Glasgow's Ashfield track on Sunday July 1 (4pm). Alan Dick, Tigers' co-promoter said: "It's a massive tie for Monarchs and ourselves. It's the first time that we've been drawn together in the knockout cup for a number of years and the winners are guaranteed a place in the semi-final."